Jar



Nov. 24, 1931.

`H. P. WICKERSHAM JAR Filed March 20, 1931 Patented Nov. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlc Application med Haren 2o, l1931. serial nu. 524,018.

This invention relates to a well tool, and relates more particularly to a jar for effecting a jarring action in a well. It is a general object of the present invention to provide a jarring tool for use in fishing operas. tions, or the like, that isl operable to -provide a heavy, powerful jarring action for loosening objects caught in a well.

It is an object of this invention to provide a rotary jar that is adapted to be actuated by putting an upward pull or tensile strain on the operating string.

It is another object of the invention to provide a. jarring tool that may be easily and quickly re-set for actuation without being withdrawn from the well bore. The

tool provided by the present invention may be actuated a number of times in rapid succession to cHect the jarring blows by simple :'o reci rocation of the oaera-tin(r string while maintaining a torsional strain on the string.

It isl another object of the invention to provide a jarring tool of the character mentioned that may be set to trip or actuate under various tensile strains to provide jarring actions of different intensities. In employing the tool, the power of the jarring action obtained may be governed or controlled by controlling the torsional strain applied to or maintained on the tool.

Another object of the invention is to provide a jar of the' character' mentioned in which an effective fluid-tight seal is formed between the sections of the tool around their 3" luidpassages Without the use of packing glands, or the like.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a jarring tool in which there is no rotative movement between the 9 parts which come into contact to providethe jarring action. It is a further object of the invention to provide a jar of the character mentioned that is practical and dependable in operation and that is simple and inexpensive of manufacture. present invention includes only three principal parts or sections.

Other objects and features of my invention will be best and more fully understood '.17 11e tool provided by thefrom the following detailed description of a typical form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal detailed sectional view of the tool, illustrating it in the contracted or unoperated position. Fig. 2 is a. View similar to Fig. 1, showing the parts in the extended or jarring position. Figs.3, et, 60 and 5 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views, taken as indicated by lines 3 3, 4-4, and 5-5 on Fig. l respectively. Fig. 6 is an enlarged transverse sectional View, taken as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 2. Fig. 65 1 shows the section C in a different rotative position than in Fig. 2, to illustrate the spiralled faces of the releasable holding means in cooperation. Sectional views, or Figs. 3 to 6, illustrate the body section A in 70 the rotative position shown in Fig. 2`

The jar or jarring tool provided by this invention includes, generally, a tubular body section A, two sections Band C extending into the opposite ends of the body section A, and means 10 for releasably holding the sections B and C against relative longitudinal movement in a contracted position.

The body section A of the tool receives or houses the larger portions of the sections B and C and loosely connects the sections B and .C for limited relative longitudinalmovement.

The tubular section A is in the nature of a coupling member for loosely holding together the sections B and C. In accordance with the invention, the body section A is an elongated' tubular member having a central longitudinal opening 12. The body section A is preferably of uniform external diameter and may be of substantially the same diameter as the drill pipe or the tool joints. of the operating string in which the tool is connected. The lower end portion of the body opening 12 is of enlarged diameter to provide a, downwardly facing annular shoulder 13 inter- 95 mediate the ends ofthe section. A tubular nut 14 is provided on the lower end of the opening 12. The opening 16 in the tubular l nut 14 is adapted to slidably and rotatably pass the section C.

the body section A to'project a considerable v distance through the opening 12. An annular enlargement 19 is provided on the section B u intermediate Yits ends to slidably fit the body nin 12. In the particular embodiment o the mvention illustrated in the drawings, the body section A is connected to the upper section B to rotate therewith. Spaced longi- 20' tudinal splines 20 are provided on the upper section B to slidably co-operate with keyways 21 in the walls of the upper portion of the opening 12. The body section A is the anvil element of the tool, while the upper section B u is the hammer element: and the enlargement 19 of the section B is adapted to strike or cooperate with a shoulder 22 on the section Av l'to effect the jarring action. In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the wshoulder 22 is an annular internal shoulder on the section A occurring at the lower ends of the keyways 21. .Upon the release fof the means 10, the upper -section B moves upward Ielative to` the body section A so that the upper end of the enlargement 19`is brought into hammering or jarring engagement ywith the annular shoulder 22. A central longitudinal fluid passage 27 is provided in the section B.

The lowersection C of the tool is intended 4 to be connected with the object to be jarred,

for example,` it may be connected with a fishing tool engaging an object caught in the well. The lower end of the section C may be screw-threaded into a socket 23 in a` connecting member 24 attached to the fishing tool or fprming a part of the lowerl end of the operating string. The lower section C extends upwardly through the opening`16 in the nut 14 and has an upper or inner portion 25 of enlarged diameter rotatably carried in the open-V ing 12 between the shoulder 13 and the upper end of the pin 15. The enlarged inner portion 25 of the section C is held between the shoulder 13 and the upper end of the pin 15- 5.5 so that the section C is held against longitudinal movement relative to the section A. i It is to be noted that the sections A andv C are connected for freeV relative rotation or turning.A A central longitudinal luid passage 26 69 is rovided in the section C.'-

e means 10 is provided to releasably connect the sections B and C against relative longitudinal movement in a contracted position and is operable to suddenly release. the

sections B and C for relative longitudinal :,asaiu tion C. The socket A28 is annular or of round cross sectional coniiguration and its lower wall 2,9 is in the nature of an annular sealing and bearlng face and an abutment for co-operating with the lower end of the section B. The central portion of theo bearing face and abutment 29 may be inclined downwardly and inwardly to the lluid passage 26. Diametrically opposite passageways 30 extend upwardly from the socket 28 to the upper end of the section C. The portions of the section C occurring between the passageways 30 are in the nature of longitudinal splines 31.

The upper section B extends downwardly a heavy tensile strain transthrough the upper end part of the passage 26 to project into the socket 2 9 when the parts are in the normal or contracted position, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The lower end of the section B is adapted to engage or co-operate withthe abutment 29 at the lower end of the socket 28. The lower end of the section B is finished to have effective frictional and sealing engagement with the abut-ment 29 and its central portion may be inclined downwardly andv inwardly to cooperate with the concave central portion of the abutment 29. When the sections B and C are in the contracted or unactuated position, the ends of the fluid passages 26 and 2 7 are in direct register and the lower end of L the sect-ion B is adapted to co-operate with the abutment 29 to provide a seal between the sections B and C around the passages 26 and 27. Spaced longitudinal splines 32 are provided on the lower end part of the section B. -The splines 32 are proportioned to slidably pass through or co-operate with the pas-l sageways 30 when t-he sections A and B are operated between the 'contracted and extended positions. Inclined or helicoidal faces 33 are provided on the upper ends-of the splines 32 to co-operate with correspondingly shaped faces 34 on the lower ends of the splines 31. In accordance with the invention, the heli! coidal faces 36 and 37 are adapted to cooperate to bring the lower end of the section B into frictional and sealing engagement with the abutment 29'to releasably connect vthe sections 'against relative movement and to provide a seal between the sections upon 4the section B being turned relative to the sec` tion C. The pitch or inclination of the faces 33 and 34 is such that a heavy tensile strain put on the sections B and C causes the upper section B to be turned or partiall rotated relative to the lower section C to isengage the inclined faces and release the sections B and C for relative longitudinal movement So that the splines 32 may move upwardly through the passages and the enlargement 19 is brought into hammering engagement with the shoulder 22. In practice, the faces 33 and 34 may be-pitched in a right hand direction so that thesections B and C may be releasably connected against relative longitudinal movement by turning the section B in a clockwise direc-tion relative to the section C or by transmitting a right hand or clockwise torsional strain through the tool. When the faces 33 and 34 are pitched in the right hand direction, the operating or tensile strain for releasing the sections for the jarring action causes the section B to be turned in a left hand or counter-clockwise direction. It has been found practical to pitch the faces 33 and 34 at approximately a 7 (lo helix angle.- The splines 31 and 32 are proportioned and related so that the lower end of the section B is tightly wedged or forced against the abutment 29 to releasably hold the sections B and C against relative rotation and longitudinal movement. Upon a heavy tensile strain being put on the tool by pulling upward on the operating string, the pitch or inclination of the faces 33 and 34 is such that the frictional engagement betweenv the faces and the frictional engagement between the lower end of the section B and the abutment 29. is overcome and the section B- is.y

partially rotated to bring the splines 32 into the passageways 30, permitting the section B to suddenly move upward and bring the enlargement 19 into 'hammering engagement with the shoulder 22 of the section A.

The splines 32 do not pass out of the passageways 30 when the section A is operated to the up or jarring position.

Vertical or longitudinal ribs 40 extend through the socket 28. The ribs 40 are providedto strengthen or reinforce the construction and are provided at dia-metrically opposite points. The strengthening ribs 40 occur or extend downwardly from the upper wall of the socket 28 at the rear edges `of the passage- Ways 30. The helicoidal faces 34 join the for- Ward edges of the ribs 40 and the ribs 40 are adapted to limit movement of the splines 32 onto the faces 34.

. In operation, the ar may be set for actuation by bringing the section A to a position where the splines 32 are within the socket 28 and then turning the section B in a direction to cause the faces 33 and 34 to force the lower end of the section B against the abutment 29. The force or torsional strain employed to l wedge or force the end of the section B against the abutment 29 governs or determines the tensile strain necessary to release the sections and, accordingly, the force of the resultant jarring action. A heavy tensile or upward Vstrain is put on the tool to cause the inclined or helicoidal faces 33 and 34 to release the sections B and C for relative turning and to back the section B around to a position where the splines 32 may pass upwardly into the passageways 30. This upward movement of the section B brings the upper end of the enlargement 19 of the hammer section B into jarring .engagement with the anvil or body section A`to impart the upward 'arring action to the sections A and C and t e parts connected therewith. It is to be noted that the splines 32 operate upwardly in and remain in the passageways 30 during upward movement -of the section B so that there is no relative rotative movement between the sections A heavy upward blow or jar is obtained. It

will be obvious that the strength or intensity 'of the jarring action may be governed by the torsional force employed to releasably set the device in the contracted position.v

The j ar may be actuated any desired number of times in rapid succession by maintaining a certain torsional strain on the tool and operating string and reciprocating the string to actuate and re-set the tool. When a torsional strain is being maintained on the tool, the faces 33 and 34 are automatically brought into co-operation upon the drilling string being lowered to bring the splines 32'Within the socket 28. The upward force or tensile strain required for tripping or releasing the secment must be sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the lower end of the section B and the abutment 29 and between the faces 33 and 34 and also sufficiently heavy to `cause the faces 33 and; 34 to'turn the section B against the torsional strain on the tool. The tool doesnot, in any way, interfere with the free circulation of Huid through the operating string and an effective seal is provided between the sections B and C when the parts are in the contracted position.

Having described only atypical, referred form of my invention, I .do not wis to limit myself to the specific details set, forth, but wishto reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to thoseskilled in the art or fall within the scope Aof thefollowing claims: v Having described my invention, I claim: 1. A well tool of the character described including, two sections, means for releasably holding the` sections against relative longiother section, a shoulder-,on sald member, and

a shoulder on one section adapted to strike the o shoulder on the member.

2. A well tool of the character described including, two sections related for limited relative'longitudinal movement, means for releasably holding the sections against relative longitudinal movement in a contracted position, said means including abutments on the sections, and helicoidal faces on the sec- 'tions` adapted to co-operate upon relative turning of the sections to bring the abutments into pressural frictional engagement, and y means for arrestin relative longitudinal z5 movement between te sections upon release of the first mentioned means includingv a lnember rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, ashoulder on the member, and a shoulder on said other section adapted to engage the shoulder on the member.

3. A well tool of the character described/including, two sections-related for limited rela- Y tive longitudinal movement, means for releasably holding the sections against relative longitudinal movement in a contracted position, said means includin abutments on the sections, and helicoidal aces on the sections adapted to co'operate upon relative turning of the sect-ions to bring the abutments into pressural frictional engagement, and means for arresting relative longitudinal movement between the sections upon.release of the first mentioned means including a tubu- .vJ lar member surrounding the sections and rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, a shouider on the member, and a shoulder on said other section adapted to engage the shoulder on the member,

4. A well tool of thecharacter described including, two sections related for limited' between the sections upon release of the firstmentioned means including, a member rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, a shoulider on the member, and a shoulder on said other section adapted to engage the shoulder on the member.

5.4 A well tool of the character described including, two sections related for relative longitudinal movement, splines on the sections adapted to slidably co-operate to hold -the sections to force the abutments into fric- Vtionaly engagement, and vmeans for limiting relative longitudinal movement between the sections to cause an impact upon release of said means including a member rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, a shoulder on the member, and a shoulder on the said other section adapted to engage the shoulder of the member.

6.' A jarring tool including, a tubular section, a lower section having an enlargement rotatably fitting into the tubular section and held against longitudinal movement relative thereto, an upper section extending into and slidably relative to the tubular section, means for releasably holding the upper and lower sections against relative longitudinal movement, said means being releasable upon a tensile strain being put on the tool and including abutments on the upper and lower sections adapted to co-operate upon relative turning between the upper and lower sections to bring the abutments in'to frictional engagement, a shoulder on the tubular section and a shoulder. on the upper section adapted to l engage the first mentioned shoulder upon release of said means to cause an impact.

7. jarring tool including, a tubular section. a lower section having an enlargement rotatably iitting into the tubular section and held against longitudinal movement relative thereto` an upper section extending into and slidably relative to the tubular section. means for releasably holding the. upper and lower sections a ainst relative longitudinal movement. sai means being releasable upon a tensile strain being put on the tool and including abutments on the upper and lower sections, and inclined faces on the upper and lower sections adapted to co-operate upon relative turning between the upper and lower seetions to bring the abutments into frictional engagement, Huid passages through the sections terminating at said abutments, the abutmentsbeing operable to form a Huidtight seal around the passages when in engagement, a shoulder on the tubular` section and a shoulder on the upper section adapted to engage the rst mentioned shoulder upon release of said means to cause an impact.

8. A well tool of the character described including, two sections related for limited relative longitudinal movement, means for releasablv holding the sections against relative longitudinal movement in a contracted position, said means including abutments on the sections, and helicoidal faces on the sections adapted to co-operate upon relative turning of the sections to bring the abutments into pressural frictional engagement, and means for arresting relative longitudinal movement between the sections upon release of the first mentioned means including a member rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, a shoulder on the member, and a shoulder on said other section adapted to engage the shoulder on the member, the pitch of said faces being such that the faces are adapted to co-operate to overcome the friction between the abutments and cause the release of the sections upon a predetermined tensile strain being put on the tool.

9. A well tool of the character, described including, two sections related for limited relative longitudinal movement, means for releasably holding the sections against rela tive longitudinal movement in a contacted position, said means including abutments on the sections, and helicoidal faces on the sections adaptedto co-operate upon relativeturning of the sections to bring the abutments into pressural `frictional engagement, and means for arresting relative longitudinal movement between the sections upon release of the lirst mentioned means including a member rotatably connected with one section and slidably connected with the other section, a shoulder on the member, and a shoulder on said other section adapted to engage the shoulder on the member, the pitch of said faces being such that they are adapted to (zo-operate to overcome the friction between the abutments to release the sections upon a tensile strain being put on the tool, and being such that the releasing tensile strain bears a given relationship to the torsional strain employed to set the abutments together.

' 10. Aejarring tool including, a tubular section, a lower section havin an enlargement rotatably fitting into the tu ular section and held against longitudinal movement relative thereto, anupper section extending into and slidably relative to the tubular section, means for releasably holding the upper and lower sections against relative longitudinal movement, said means being releasable upon a tensile strain being put on the tool and including abutments on the upper and lower sections, and inclined faces on the upper and lower sections adapted to co-operate upon relative turning between the upper and lower sections to bring the abutments into fric- 4tional engagement, an internal shoulder on 

